Here Comes HomeBoi!
Admittedly, this special issue of Godspeed is a little Boise-centric.
But I think there are ideas here that might be modeled in any community – perhaps yours.
So many communities around the West have experienced turbo-charged growth, which presents many, many challenges. Other communities find their citizenry disconnected in the digital age.
Hannah Schaeffer and I saw these challenges as an opportunity. We got together, spitballed ideas, and an event was born: “HomeBoi,” the name a nod to our airport’s 3-letter code and the shared sense of love and loyalty we have for this place.
HomeBoi celebrates what’s special and truly original about Boise, so that we can hold on to those things that people moved here for: the community’s pioneering spirit, its open, welcoming way, our amazing natural resources, and the independent local businesses and quirky places that are only found here.
Plus, we wanted the event to be a place where people can put down their phones and connect IRL with others in the community.
It’s very grassroots. Each morning there are coffee meet and greets, days are scheduled with workshops and talks, and evenings are packed with Boise movers and shakers.
Hannah and I have largely pulled this off on our own, working over the past 3-4 months to make it happen, with input from key players in the community, some inspiring business partners, and financial support from a few fantastic sponsors.
So, if you’re in the Boise area, below is the full list of programming for next week, which includes links to register for the sessions, all of which are FREE. (We are grateful for the donations we’ve received from individuals so far!)
If you’re NOT in the Boise area, what’s keeping YOU and your posse from starting your own event to honor your community’s originality?
I promise to circle back post-event with results.
Godspeed, friends.
Russ
HomeBoi Programming, March 2-5
Monday, March 2 at 8:00 AM – HomeBoi Launch & Coffee Kick Off – Start the week the Boise way with coffee, conversation, and community.
Monday, March 2 at 5:30 PM – A Report from Steve Hubble on the World of Sustainability in Boise, Brazil, and Beyond — The City of Boise's climate action manager provides insights from the global climate stage and what they mean for Boise now.
Tuesday, March 3 at 11:00 AM – Volunteer with us at Harrison Hollow in the Boise foothills to get outside, get your hands dirty, and give back to the land that makes Boise home. Lunch provided. Hosted by Treasure Valley Land Trust.
Tuesday, March 3 at 2:00 PM – Caring for Communal Values in a Changing Landscape will be presented by internationally recognized tap artist Andrew Nemr.
Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30 PM – Learn the Origin Story of Treefort Music Fest with co-founders Eric Gilbert and Lori Shandro, with a backstage pass to the early ideas that led to a city-shaping festival. Oh, they're a B Corp, too!
Wednesday, March 4 at 9:00 AM – Coffee Walk & Talk at the Hideout & Cats Eye Creative Reuse is a peek inside two of Boise’s coolest reuse-driven spaces.
Wednesday, March 4 at 10:00 AM – March Fourth HomeBoi: The Dandelion Way for all those tabling professionals to create fresh ideas for turning nonprofit events into participatory, mission-driven experiences.
Wednesday, March 4 at 2:00 PM – Touring With an Industry Disruptor at Saalt’s New Packaging Facility to see how a born-in-Boise brand (also a B Corp!) is rethinking packaging and purpose with its sustainable menstrual care products.
Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 PM – Explore how local storytelling platforms are shaping Boise’s voice with Marissa Lovell (From Boise) and Nathan Berry (Kit).
Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 AM – Start your morning with play at Common Ground Coffee’s Quest for Community. Ooh, a scavenger hunt – fun!
Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 AM – Belonging in Boise is a facilitated workshop to create an intentional culture in a growing city.
Thursday, March 5 at 2:00 PM – Barbara Bauer tells Boise history through stories you haven’t heard before.
Thursday, March 5 at 5:30 PM – A Boise Welcome Party with drinks, music, stories, and neighbors — because you belong here.